The three of us step out of the red car, and my eyes widen as I take in the sight before me. We've stopped in front of the Kaiba Corp building—the American headquarters, right here in San Francisco. Seeing the Kaiba Corp building in person is so much more thrilling than watching it in the anime. It's imposing, powerful, and utterly real.

Rebecca turns to her Grandfather, her expression a mix of excitement and apprehension. "What are we doing here?" she asks, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Grandfather answers calmly, "Both of you have been signed up for the Battle City tournament. We're here to pick up the new duel disks and anything else we'll need."

My pulse quickens at the mention of the tournament. "Once we pick up our new duel disks, can we get some new cards?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'd like to upgrade my deck."

Rebecca nods, impressed by my composure. "It seems like you were prepared for this change," she says with admiration in her voice. "You've got a good head for strategy, Connor. I'm counting on you to help me come up with new tactics to account for the banlist."

I appreciate her praise but stay focused. I know how crucial it is to adapt quickly. "I expected this change," I reply as we walk through the building. "I used three copies of Pot of Greed. It was bound to happen sooner or later."

Rebecca's competitive spirit lights up as she considers the new challenge. "Well, I only used one copy anyway," she says with a sly smile. "I guess this change will force us to get creative with our deck building. Let's see who adapts better to these rule changes."

I nod, already thinking of strategies to compensate for the loss. "It's limited to one now. It's too powerful to have three copies."

Rebecca's eyes widen in shock. "Pot of Greed?" she exclaims. "Isn't that a staple card for all duelists? Why would they limit it?"

I shrug slightly, trying to mask my own disappointment. "It's a good question. Too many people were playing three copies, I guess."

As we step into the waiting room of Kaiba Corp, an employee greets us. "You're the American prodigies," he says, handing us new duel disks and rulebooks. "The rules of the game will be changing, and the first official banlist will be enforced when the tournament starts."

A surge of excitement washes over me as I hold the duel disk in my hands. It looks just like the one from the anime—a wave of nostalgia fills me with happiness. "This is incredible," I murmur, testing the weight of the device.

Rebecca, equally thrilled, takes her duel disk and rulebook. "I can't wait to test this out in the tournament," she whispers, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

I nod back at her. "Same here. Just don't expect me to take it easy on you."

As we walk deeper into the Kaiba Corp building, I feel the pressure mounting. I know that the Battle City tournament will be unlike anything we've faced before. Grandfather's words resonate with me as I glance at Rebecca.

"I understand, Grandfather," Rebecca says confidently. "I'll do my absolute best in the tournament, no matter what. I won't let the pressure get to me." She turns to me with a competitive gleam in her eye. "And I'll make sure to beat you too, Connor. You better watch out because I'm gunning for the top spot."

I smile, feeling the same competitive fire. "Bring it on, Rebecca. Let's see who's the better duelist."

Grandfather looks at both of us with pride. "Good. This tournament will be something never before seen in history. A worldwide event where all the major duelists will be in one place. A lot of pressure will be placed on you to do well. I just want both of you to do your best, no matter the result."

Feeling the excitement and anticipation building, I excuse myself to use the restroom before we head to the card shop.

"I'll be quick!" I call to my grand uncle and cousin. Rebecca rolls her eyes and waves me off, while Arthur nods in acknowledgment.

I make my way to a small, dimly lit public restroom inside the Kaiba Corp skyscraper. The place is quiet, a sharp contrast to the buzz of excitement outside. I enter one of the stalls, trying to mentally prepare for the duels ahead. The feeling of holding the duel disk still lingers on my hands, and I can already imagine the adrenaline of the first match. As I finish up and wash my hands, the stall door creaks open behind me.

I glance into the mirror and freeze.

Standing at the entrance of the stall door is someone I never expected to see—Dartz.

Emerging from the shadows like a ghost, the Duelist Exterminator entered the washroom, his cold, calculating gaze fixed on a figure who had been standing in front of the bathroom stall door: Dartz. The legendary duelist turned towards the Duelist Exterminator, surprise flashing across his face, but only for a second. His usual smug confidence returned.

"What do we have here?" Dartz's voice dripped with amusement. "Another insect buzzing around thinking they can bite."

The Duelist Exterminator didn't bother with small talk. "Your sins won't be forgotten. You ordered the attack on those kids,The American government paid good money to kill you."

Connor clenched his fists, his mind racing. He couldn't let Dartz walk away without consequences. He couldn't let him escape justice.

Suddenly, without thinking, Connor stepped forward, positioning himself beside the Duelist Exterminator. "I'm in."

The Exterminator glanced at him, his calculating eyes narrowing slightly but giving a small nod of approval. "You sure, kid?"

Connor's voice was firm. "Yeah. He's responsible for what happened to my classmates. I'm not letting him get away with that."

Dartz laughed, shaking his head as he activated his duel disk. "You think the two of you can take me on? I've destroyed people far stronger than either of you."

Connor snapped his duel disk on, feeling the rush of adrenaline as the holographic field flared to life. He looked over at the Duelist Exterminator, who was already prepared, his cold expression never faltering.

"Let's end this," Connor growled, glaring at Dartz.

With two people versus Dartz, Connor knew they had a fighting chance. Dartz might be powerful, but this was about more than just winning a duel—it was about justice.

The holographic projectors lit up, and the duel began.

Connor drew his opening hand, his fingers trembling only slightly as he stared down at his cards. His mind snapped into focus. This was his moment.

Dartz chuckled as he drew his own hand. "Let's see if you can survive long enough to make me break a sweat."

Connor glanced at the Exterminator, who already had a strategy forming in his cold eyes. Together, they would bring Dartz down, one card at a time.

Across from them, Dartz, the ancient and enigmatic leader of the Orichalcos, smirked, his aura pulsing with dark energy. The green, swirling power of the Orichalcos sigil shimmered faintly beneath his feet. The duel ahead promised to be a battle like none other.

Dartz extended his hand, his voice dripping with malice. "This duel will mark the end of both of you. Once I win, your souls will belong to the Orichalcos."

Connor clenched his fists, his Duel Disk activating with a snap. "We won't let you win, Dartz."

The Duelist Exterminator's cold gaze locked onto Dartz. "I've studied your deck, Dartz. Your tactics are nothing new to me. Let's see if the power of the Orichalcos can counter a mind prepared for every eventuality."

Dartz sneered as his Duel Disk activated. "You will see soon enough. Let's begin!"

Turn 1: Dartz

Dartz's eyes glinted as he drew his first card. "I'll start by activating the spell card, The Seal of Orichalcos!"

The green, ominous sigil of the Orichalcos expanded across the field, enveloping both sides of the duel with a dark, sinister aura. Connor felt a sudden, oppressive force push down on him, and the glow of the seal seemed to feed Dartz with unnatural energy.

"The Seal of Orichalcos grants all of my monsters 500 extra attack points," Dartz explained, his smirk growing wider. "But that's not all. It prevents anyone else from joining our duel."

Connor gritted his teeth but remained focused. He knew what was at stake.

"Now I'll summon Orichalcos Gigas in Attack Mode!"

A hulking, grotesque monster materialized on Dartz's field, its power boosted by the Seal of Orichalcos.

[Orichalcos Gigas – ATK 400 ATK 900]

"I end my turn by setting one card face-down," Dartz said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Turn 2: Duelist Exterminator

The Duelist Exterminator remained calm as he drew his card. His voice was eerily calm, contrasting sharply with the intensity of the situation. "I'll begin by setting a trap for you, Dartz. But first, I summon Banisher of the Radiance in Attack Mode."

A radiant, glowing figure appeared on the Exterminator's side of the field, its light seeming to pierce through the oppressive energy of the Orichalcos.

[Banisher of the Radiance – ATK 1600]

"While Banisher of the Radiance is on the field, any card sent to the graveyard is banished instead," the Duelist Exterminator explained, his voice cold and calculating.

Dartz's smirk faltered slightly. "Banishing my monsters? Clever, but futile."

The Duelist Exterminator didn't respond to Dartz's taunt. "I'll also place two face-down cards and end my turn."

Turn 3: Connor

Connor's turn was next, and he drew his card with determination. He knew that with Dartz as their opponent, he needed to play carefully. His hand contained some solid cards, and he knew exactly how to help his partner set up a defense.

"I summon Jerry Beans Man in Attack Mode!" Connor called out as his signature monster materialized on the field.

[Jerry Beans Man – ATK 1750]

Connor paused for a moment, then continued, "I'll end my turn by setting two cards face-down."

Turn 4: Dartz

Dartz drew his next card, his confidence unwavering. "You've played well so far, but it won't be enough to stop the power of the Orichalcos."

He grinned darkly as he revealed his next play. "I special summon Orichalcos Kyutora at the cost of 500 life points."

[Dartz's LP: 4000 3500]

[Orichalcos Kyutora – ATK 0 ATK 500]

"Now, Orichalcos Gigas, attack Banisher of the Radiance!" Dartz commanded.

The Duelist Exterminator remained unfazed as Orichalcos Gigas launched its assault. "I activate my trap, Mirror Force! This will destroy all your attack position monsters."

The mirror-like barrier rose on the Exterminator's side, reflecting the powerful attack. Orichalcos Gigas was caught in its own assault, shattering into pieces. Dartz's eyes narrowed, but his smug expression remained intact.

"When Orichalcos Gigas is destroyed, I can summon him back from the graveyard or banish with another 500 attack points. And when Orichalcos Kyutora is destroyed, I can special summon Orichalcos Shunoros in Attack Mode!"

The massive Orichalcos Shunoros appeared on the field, a monstrous metallic titan. "And when Orichalcos Shunoros is special summoned, I can also summon Orichalcos Dexia in Attack Mode and Orichalcos Aristeros in Defense Mode."

The four creatures materialized, their attack points enhanced by the Orichalcos' influence.

[Orichalcos Gigas – ATK 900 ATK 1400] [Orichalcos Shunoros – ATK 0 ATK 500] [Orichalcos Dexia – ATK 0 ATK 500] [Orichalcos Aristeros – DEF 0]

"I'll end my turn," Dartz concluded, his eyes flashing with dark energy.

Turn 5: Duelist Exterminator

The Duelist Exterminator drew his card with a focused precision that sent a shiver down Connor's spine. "I told you I've studied your deck, Dartz. You rely too heavily on the power of your Seal. It's time I break your strategies apart."

He revealed his next card. "I activate the spell card Fissure. Now, the monster with the weakest attack points gets sent to the graveyard, and if there's a tie, I get to choose. I pick your Orichalcos Shunoros."

Dartz's face twisted into a scowl. "I activate my trap card Martyr Curse, which allows me to force one of your monsters to battle mine when one of my monsters is destroyed. I choose Orichalcos Dexia to battle your Banisher of the Radiance!"

[Orichalcos Dexia – ATK 500 ATK 2100]

"Orichalcos Dexia gains attack equal to the monster it battles or that monster's defense points plus 300. I choose its attack points."

Banisher of the Radiance was destroyed in an instant.

[Duelist Exterminator LP: 4000 3500]

"Next, I summon D.D. Warrior Lady in Attack Mode."

[D.D. Warrior Lady – ATK 1500]

"If D.D. Warrior Lady battles a monster, I can banish both her and the monster she battles. Now, D.D. Warrior Lady, attack Orichalcos Gigas."

Dartz smirked. "I activate the effect of Orichalcos Aristeros! I can redirect your attack to it."

[Orichalcos Aristeros – DEF 0 DEF 1800]

[Duelist Exterminator LP: 3500 3200]

The two warriors clashed, and just as predicted, both were banished from the field, leaving Dartz with one less monster.

Connor watched in admiration as his partner continued his cold, methodical approach to dismantling Dartz's strategies.

"I end my turn," the Duelist Exterminator said, his voice emotionless as ever.

Turn 6: Connor

Connor's resolve strengthened. The Duelist Exterminator had paved the way for him to strike. Drawing his next card, Connor felt the adrenaline surge.

"It's time to bring this duel to the next level," Connor said. "I activate Enchanting Fitting Room to special summon any normal monsters level three or lower from the top four cards of my deck at the cost of 800 life points."

[Connor LP: 4000 3200]

Connor revealed the cards, his strategy coming together. "I special summon Sonic Duck and Bunilla in Attack Mode."

[Sonic Duck – ATK 1700] [Bunilla – ATK 150 ]

"I'll also activate Creature Swap. You can have my Bunilla, and I'll take your Orichalcos Gigas."

[Bunilla – ATK 150 ATK 650]

[Orichalcos Gigas – ATK 1400 ATK 900]

Dartz sneered. "Fine, take it."

Connor grinned. "Now, Jerry Beans Man, attack Bunilla!"

[Dartz's LP: 3500 2400]

"Next, I activate Creature Seizure, which allows me to swap one of my normal monsters for one of yours. I'll take your Orichalcos Dexia in exchange for Jerry Beans Man."

[Jerry Beans Man – ATK 1750 ATK 2250] [Orichalcos Dexia – ATK 500 ATK 0]

"Now, Orichalcos Dexia, attack Jerry Beans Man!"

Orichalcos Dexia's effect activated, allowing it to gain an attack equal to Jerry Beans Man's attack plus 300.

[Orichalcos Dexia – ATK 0 ATK 2550]

Dartz's life points plummeted, his confidence visibly shaken.

[Dartz's LP: 2400 2100]

Connor's grin widened. "Now, Sonic Duck and Orichalcos Gigas, finish Dartz off! This is for my classmates, you piece of trash!"

[Dartz's LP: 2100 0]

Dartz staggered back, defeated into the washroom stall. "No… This cannot be…" His voice trailed off as the swirling energy of the Orichalcos dissipated, leaving the area quiet once more.

The public washroom was eerily quiet after the intense tag duel, the only sound being the faint hum of fluorescent lights above. Connor and the Duelist Exterminator stood near the sink, both catching their breath from their grueling battle with Dartz. They had won, but the tension in the air remained thick as a layer of unease settled over them.

Connor wiped his face with his sleeve, trying to shake off the exhaustion. "I can't believe it's finally over."

The Duelist Exterminator, always composed, simply stared at the closed stall door at the end of the row. His cold eyes narrowed. "It's not."

Suddenly, a low, unnatural laugh echoed through the washroom. The voice was unmistakably Dartz's, but it carried a distorted edge, as if something far darker had awakened within him.

"You fools…" Dartz's voice rasped, his tone filled with malice. "You may have won the duel, but that was merely a game. Now, the real nightmare begins!"

The stall door at the end of the washroom burst open with a loud crash, revealing Dartz. His body glowed with an eerie green light, his eyes wild and inhuman. His once composed form now twitched with dark energy. The Seal of Orichalcos flared to life around him once more, and above him, a massive serpentine figure began to materialize from the mirror—the faint shape of the Great Leviathan.

Connor instinctively took a step back, his heart racing. "No… he's trying to fuse with the Great Leviathan!"

Dartz's laugh grew more maniacal, his body convulsing as the green light enveloped him. "You thought you could defeat me? I am eternal! I will become one with the Great Leviathan and plunge this world into eternal darkness!"

The Duelist Exterminator, however, remained unmoved. His expression hardened, but there was no fear in his cold gaze—only cold determination.

Dartz's fusion was nearly complete. The ethereal form of the Leviathan loomed large, its terrible power surging as Dartz's body began to warp, his limbs elongating and scales beginning to form on his skin.

Connor stared in horror. "We have to stop him! If he fuses with that thing, we're done for!"

The Duelist Exterminator said nothing. Instead, in a single swift motion, he reached into his coat and pulled out a pistol, its matte black surface gleaming faintly in the dim washroom light. Without a word, he leveled the gun at Dartz, his aim steady and unyielding.

Connor's eyes widened. "Wait, what are you—"

Before Connor could finish, the Duelist Exterminator pulled the trigger.

The deafening crack of the gunshot echoed throughout the small washroom. Dartz's laughter ceased abruptly, his eyes going wide with shock as the bullet struck him squarely in the chest. The sickly green light surrounding him faltered, flickering wildly as the ethereal form of the Great Leviathan began to dissipate.

"No… no! This can't…!" Dartz gasped, clutching his chest as dark blood seeped between his fingers. His voice was weak now, the fusion unraveling as the Leviathan's presence crumbled. His body trembled, unable to handle the immense energy he had attempted to harness.

The Duelist Exterminator calmly approached Dartz, his pistol still aimed, his expression as cold and detached as ever. "I've studied your type, Dartz. Fools who think they're unstoppable because they have some mystic force or the power of friendship on their side. Those things don't work on me. You think just because you have some ancient powers, you're immune to losing?"

Dartz coughed violently, his breaths growing shallow.

The Duelist Exterminator's voice became even colder. "The truth is, you're just another desperate moron who thinks he's special by having some ancient powers."

Dartz's eyes, once filled with madness and power, now showed a flicker of fear. His strength was fading fast, the light of the Orichalcos dimming as he staggered back against the wall.

"You're still human. And humans bleed."

Dartz stumbled, his hand reaching out toward the half-formed Leviathan, but his strength was gone. The glowing serpent above him writhed for a moment before dissolving completely into thin air.

"No… not like this…" Dartz muttered, his voice barely a whisper now. His eyes, once so full of megalomania, now reflected the stark reality of his defeat. He slumped against the wall, sliding down until he was seated, gasping for breath, his body broken and bloodied.

Connor stood frozen, watching as Dartz's life slowly drained away. He didn't know what to say. The sight of Dartz, once so powerful and unstoppable, reduced to this pitiful state was surreal. But the Duelist Exterminator didn't hesitate. He holstered his gun, his face devoid of emotion.

Dartz coughed, blood staining his lips. "I was… supposed to… be a god…"

The Duelist Exterminator crouched down, his voice a cold whisper. "Gods don't bleed."

With one final, rattling breath, Dartz's head slumped forward, and the last glimmer of life faded from his eyes. His body went limp, his failed fusion with the Great Leviathan nothing more than a distant nightmare now.

Connor finally found his voice, though it was shaky. "You… you didn't hesitate."

The Duelist Exterminator stood up, his face unchanging. "I never do."

The oppressive air that had filled the washroom began to lift as the remnants of the Orichalcos disappeared completely. It was over. Dartz was dead.

Connor glanced at Dartz's lifeless body one more time before turning to the Duelist Exterminator. There was something he hadn't told anyone—not even his cousin or grand uncle—about Dartz's vast collection of rare and powerful cards. Cards that could bolster his deck in ways that few could even imagine. He made his decision quickly.

"Hey," Connor called out, taking a step forward. "Thanks. I couldn't have done it without you."

The Duelist Exterminator paused mid-step but didn't turn to face him. His back remained turned, a silent figure in the night.

Connor awkwardly scratched the back of his neck, not knowing what to say to someone so... enigmatic. "Maybe sometime we could duel? You know, just for fun."

The Exterminator's shoulders moved slightly, and for a brief moment, it looked like he might say something. Instead, he simply shook his head. A small, slow shake—no.

Connor blinked, a bit taken aback by the silent response. "Oh, um, okay. I get it." He let out a nervous chuckle, still trying to piece together who this mysterious duelist really was. "Well, anyway, thanks again."

The Duelist Exterminator didn't acknowledge the gratitude. Without another word, he continued walking out of the bathroom and into the empty hallway, disappearing into the unknown as if he were never there.

Connor slipped away, moving quickly through the dim corridors until he found the room he had been looking for. His pulse quickened as he pushed the door open and entered what looked like a vault full of Duel Monsters cards. Shelves lined the walls, packed with cases and binders containing some of the rarest cards in existence.

His eyes widened as he scanned the room. This was it—the treasure trove of Duel Monsters' history. Dartz's private collection. Everything he'd ever dreamed of was right in front of him.

Connor knew exactly what he was here for. He had spent countless hours studying the Goat Control format, a powerful and legendary strategy that had once dominated the meta. Now, he had the perfect opportunity to build a deck around it—using cards that would otherwise be impossible to find.

"Perfect," he whispered to himself as he rifled through the collection, carefully selecting the key cards he needed: Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning, Metamorphosis, Scapegoat, Tsukuyomi, and Thousand-Eyes Restrict. Each of these would be essential for his Goat Control deck. He also pulled out powerful traps like Mirror Force and Ring of Destruction, knowing these cards would provide the perfect synergy for his strategy.

With his new cards in hand, Connor quickly made his way out of the vault, his heart racing with excitement. His mind buzzed with ideas on how to integrate these newly acquired cards into the perfect Goat Control deck—one that would surprise anyone who dueled him.

He slipped through the shadows of the facility, unnoticed by anyone. As he stepped outside, he spotted his cousin, Rebecca, and his grand uncle, Arthur Hawkins, waiting near their car.

"Connor! What took you so long?" Rebecca asked, irritation clear in her voice. "You said you just needed a bathroom break!"

Arthur raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze resting on Connor. "We were starting to get worried," he added, his voice calm but tinged with concern.

Connor chuckled nervously, running a hand through his hair as he walked up to them. "Yeah… I, uh, got a little lost trying to find my way back. This place is a maze. But I'm here now, no worries!"

Rebecca huffed, crossing her arms. "Typical. You always take forever."

Arthur continued to study him for a moment longer, his eyes sharp and observant. Connor tried to keep his expression neutral, though a faint look of satisfaction tugged at the corner of his mouth. After a few moments, Arthur simply nodded.

"Well, as long as you're safe," Arthur said, his tone relaxed once more. "Now, let's go get those cards you wanted from the card shop."

Connor smiled, relieved. "Right behind you, Granduncle."

As they walked away, Connor couldn't help but grin inwardly. With the rare cards he had just looted from Dartz's collection, his deck was about to become something truly formidable.